The Reasons for Migration of Hosseini Religious Chieftains of Neishabur (Benuzbareh) to Beihagh

Beihagh, the ancient name of Sabsevar, is one of the cities known for its declaration of Shi’ism prior to its establishment at Safavid era. The spread of Shi’ism in Beihagh was as a result of a preparatory stage in the middle of the second century (AH) whose turning point is marked by the presence of Imam Reza (A) in Khorasa and his influential religious enlightenments. The key agents of this preparatory stage were religious chieftains (Noqaba) who were in charge of handling the affairs of Alawis and the Prophet’s descendants in each city. The leadership of Alawis in Neyshabur during early Samanid era was relinquished to Hosseini Alawis ( Benuzbareh). The present study aims at exploring the activities of Zibari religious chieftains in Neyshabur; the reasons for their migration to Beihagh; and their role in deepening Imamate Shi’ism (Twelver doctrine) in Beihagh. The findings of the study reveal that eastern governments’ policies against Zibari chieftains—mainly affected by their religious conflicts—could be seen as one of the major reasons for the Zibaris’ migration to Beihagh. Zibari Hosseini chieftains could work for disseminating and propagating Shia doctrines by means of inviting Shia scholars and attracting Shia descendants of the Prophet from all around the Islamic world and via political, religious, and social managements of their leadership commitments; taking advantage of appropriate religious conditions; and having unceasing supports of Beihagh Twelver Imam Shias.